Which is better? Does it matter? Thanks.

It doesnt matter they both suck jk!

l assume u r talking about car camping rather than backpacking? There is a big difference between the North & South Rim & which is better somewhat determines on when u r planning on going.

The South Rim is the more developed & easily reached rim where all the big lodges r & many shops & cafes. The South Rim also has more overlooks that u can drive to, more short hikes, & more attractions (displays, the train, etc). However, because it is a major vacation destination, the South Rim can also be a crowded zoo from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

On the other hand, the North Rim is far from any significant town & has only one lodge, which means it is much less crowded & more peaceful. In addition, the North Rim is at a 1000 feet higher elevation (8000 feet vs 7000 feet) which means it is cooler & has more pine trees & grassy meadows. Note however that the North Rim facilities (including the campground) r closed from mid-October to mid-May.

At both rims of the National Park u will find a drive-up campground with nice designated spots & a central bathroom facility. Both campgrounds r also a ways back from the rim. Both will also be very popular in summer, so making reservations well in advance is highly recommended (see links below).

In addition to the two developed campgrounds mentioned above, beyond the bounds of the National Park on both rims there is National Forest where u r allowed to go down the dirt forest roads & camp at large where ever u want (except during periods of extreme fire danger).

As far as the campgrounds themselves, they r about the same. As far as which rim is better. while both r worth visiting, during summer l personally prefer the cool & quiet of the North Rim.

l can not really add too much to sascoaz (thumbs up!), but wanted to give you a link to some pics l took driving from the South Rim to the North Rim and beyond so you can see what the place looks like.

If l were you, I'd start on the South Rim and then try the North Rim if you decide you like it. l lived in Southern AZ (Tucson) for 11 years - the Canyon is spectacular.

Sascoaz gets my vote for best answer.

Orion

Just wanted to add that from the north rim, you have access to other National Parks, Bryce, Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef, etc. So if you want to see other parks on this trip, you save time going to the North Side.

Have fun.